Exploring the personality and relationship factors that mediate the connection between differentiation of self and phubbing

What is it about?

This study examined the impact of differentiation of self on phubbing—prioritizing smartphones over in-person interactions. We hypothesized that differentiation of self would be associated with phubbing through fear of missing out, romantic relationship satisfaction, and loneliness in intimate relationships. 431 young adults completed relevant questionnaires online. Results showed fear of missing out mediated the relationship between three dimensions of differentiation of self and phubbing. Romantic relationship satisfaction and loneliness were associated with differentiation of self but didn't significantly mediate the relationship with phubbing. Gender differences were observed in several variables. We conclude that fear of missing out may trigger anxiety, leading to phubbing as a coping mechanism, particularly in individuals with lower levels of differentiation of self.

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Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash

Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash